The State Government is upgrading sporting facilities in Wallan, with sporting clubs from swimming to basketball and gymnastics set to lap up the fun at a new stadium and aquatics centre at Wallan’s Greenhill Reserve Precinct.
Minister for Community Sport and Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence announced on Thursday that $5 million for stage one of the Greenhill Reserve sports precinct was funded in the State Government’s 2023-2024 Budget.
Mitchell Shire Council will begin a masterplan process for the development later this month, with a first stage of community and stakeholder engagement to occur in late 2023. The masterplan will be completed in 2024
“Prior to the election in November last year, I made a commitment that if elected the Andrews-Labor Government would make an investment of $5 million into stage one of the Greenhill Recreation Precinct,” Ms Spence said.
“I’m really pleased to say that in our first Budget, that $5 million has been delivered so we can now, with council, get onto stage one of this important precinct.”
Once complete the new stadium will feature basketball courts and a dedicated gymnastics space for Birralee Gymnastics.
Swimmers of all abilities will be able enjoy a new aquatics and leisure facility, which has long been campaigned for in Wallan.
Mitchell Mayor Fiona Stevens said council had great plans for the precinct.
“The council had a vision six years ago when we purchased 300 Northern [Highway], and it wasn’t cheap. But we saw a need for it back then so we put our money up and secured it,” she said.
“That was the first stage. This is another stage and we look forward to those that still come.
With more families moving to Wallan, new sports facilities will boost opportunities to grow schools, clubs and the community.
“We see the population that is continuing to grow and the demand that is already on existing infrastructure,” Ms Spence said.
“We see the booming population and how much people are participating in sport is fantastic. But we don’t want them turning away from sport because they can’t get the facilities they need.”
Member for Yan Yean Lauren Kathage said the Budget was providing $213 million to deliver and improve community sports infrastructure and support initiatives that boosted participation and inclusion.
“We’re excited for these new facilities to be enjoyed by the community and bring more people together whether that be in the pool or on the court,” she said.
Ms Spence acknowledged council for its commitment and financial contribution to the project.
“Thank you all for the continued advocacy. Mitchell Shire Council have been relentless in their advocacy for this and I thank you so much for that because without it things don’t happen,” she said.
Completion? Never.
It took the council nearly three years to pick the site for the Aquatic centre and they received over a $150000 to do that why did it take so long and now have to wait longer due to the economic downturn, for future funds, it’s really not good enough Mitchell Shire Council